Hindustan Times ST (Mumbai)

Woods undergoes fourth back surgery, ruled out till October

- Agencies

Superstar golfer Tiger Woods announced on his website on Thursday that he has undergone a fourth back surgery to alleviate pain, one that likely sidelines him at least until October.

“The surgery went well, and I’m optimistic this will relieve my back spasms and pain,” said Woods, who hasn’t played competitiv­e golf since pulling out of the Dubai Desert Classic on February 3 with back spasms.

Typical recovery time after his latest procedure is about six months, the article on Woods’ website said.

That timeline would mean missing the remainder of this PGA Tour season and the Presidents Cup matches.

Woods first had back surgery shortly before the 2014 Masters and had two more procedures after the 2015 PGA season, following which he was sidelined for more than a year.

“When healed, I look forward to getting back to a normal life, playing with my kids, competing in profession­al golf and living without the pain I have been battling so long,” Woods said on his website.

The announceme­nt comes two days after Woods said his back was “progressin­g” as he briefly answered questions at a function in Missouri to announce a golf course being designed by his TGR Design.

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Tiger Woods.

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